Art enthusiasts and those seeking a mental health boost can now combine their interests at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art's upcoming "Creating Wellness" workshop series. Slated to run on four dates—Nov. 7, 14, 21, and Dec. 5—this event offers a dive into the therapeutic use of art for personal insight and well-being. Each session, running from noon to 2 p.m., promises to guide participants through the craft of a mixed-media altered book, an expressive process that converts an ordinary book into a deeply personal art piece.
Pre-registration, which is a must for those wishing to attend, comes with a fee of $80. Susie Andruk, ATR-BC, a board-certified art therapist, will be leading the workshops. And while all necessary art supplies are included in the cost, attendees will need to bring along a book they are ready to transform. The museum is looking to provide more than just a space to create; they're offering a chance to truly explore to deeply understand one's emotions and desires. According to information obtained by USU Today, this hands-on creative exploration will be complemented by dialogue centered on selected works from NEHMA's own art collection.
The head of NEHMA, Katie Lee-Koven, has emphasized the link between art and mental health, a connection that is backed by extensive research. In a recent statement, she highlighted the series as a way for individuals to carve out time for self-care while engaging in something new and forming connections. This marks the third year that NEHMA has run the Creating Wellness workshops, but it's the first focused on completing a singular art project over the course of the series.
Those interested can find further details and sign up for the Creating Wellness workshops by visiting NEHMA's event page. As a bonus, the museum will be handing out free parking codes for Gateway Terrace valid on class days. More information on the event and the museum’s many offerings—including its dedication to modern and contemporary art—can be found on the USU website or by reaching out directly to museum coordinator Chiara Sorensen at [email protected].
